Richard J. Ryan

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Richard J. Ryan, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Villers-sur-Fere, France, July 28, 1918. Three times wounded on July 28, 1918, in the attack across the River Ourcq, and up the heights beyond, in which he led his company forward in the face of extremely heavy fire from machine-guns and artillery, Captain Ryan refused to be evacuated and remained with his company until it was withdrawn. They reached their objectives and made their stand because of his fine spirit and unflinching determination.